Listen

Recently our eldest had a bac blanc for his philosophy class. After the 4 hour exam he joined us at the office for lunch. (as he often does, much to his mama's joy) I asked about his exam. He had to write a paper about a text by Locke about property and ownership. Someone in the kitchen asked him if he disproved the philosopher's ideas. Will pointed out that the purpose of the exam was to display that he truly understood what Locke believed. For some reason this really struck me as a wonderful excercise. What if, instead of instantly seeking evidence to prove others wrong, we actually listened to others and first displayed that we understood what the other was saying?

Happy New Year

Goodbye 2009. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Do I want to reflect on it all? Yes and no. New challenges, loss, joy, pain are part of the past. They probably will stick around for the next year as well.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, oh God? How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them they would outnumber the sand. When I awake I am still with You. (psalm 139: 17,18)

This year I want to remember every morning that I am with God. And knowing His thoughts is the most significant thing I can do this year. Obey His voice.

Nick, Joe and Kevin Fever

They came toward us flowing with the crowd leaving the concert. The princess was sobbing, bangs plastered to her forehead, damp with sweat. I hugged her and asked her what was wrong. "I saw Nick".

Nick JONAS, that is: the cute, sensitive one from the Jonas Brothers band. The princess and her best friend from school had been anticipating this big concert for months. At the last minute I bailed out and only acted as chauffeur. Our 25 year old friend accompanied them in my place. Happily, Katie is a much more accomplished concert goer than I am. She knew how scope out the best spot by the stage. The girls were all three close enough to claim, "Joe looked right at me; so did Nick." As a bonus, another Disney star, Demi Levato was the opening act. Evidently it was stinking hot in the Zenith that night. Plus they were all squeezed together in the crowd. Security men were passing out water. Young girls were just passing out. This is where Katie's skill was most appreciated. During the final song, "Burning Up" little Rose passed out--and the Princess was on the verge. Katie successfully navigated them to the first aid section to join all the other girls who had "seen Nick" and were recovering from the experience.

After all they had been waiting a couple of hours outside before the doors opened--standing in the sun. When we dropped them off Luke took one look at the thousands of girls and said, "I'm starting to think maybe I should go to this concert." But Amy had the best quote of the night, "This is the second happiest day of my life--just after my wedding."

1. I sure hope she marries some day so she has something to live for now.

2. Where did I get a daughter who screams, cries, and passes out over a musician?

So Close and Yet So Far Away

Yesterday Will took his SAT exam at the American School in Paris (which is actually in the posh suburb of St. Cloud). If there is anywhere in the world where he should feel at home one would think that a High School, in France, where Americans go to school would be it. So close and yet so far away. He felt very different from the kids in the exam room; felt strange answering questions by filling in little ovals; didn't have enough time to finish his essay on the topic of "must there always be losers; or is win/win(/win) possible. He got deep into philosophers and religious ponderings through the ages and ran out of time on his very last sentence. So close and yet so far.

I had four hours to kill ; so I drove around looking for a place to plug in my computer to finish some urgent stuff. Whilst cruising around Paris looking for a friendly Starbucks, I saw police presumably preparing the route for Obama and Sarkozy to get out of Paris and to their helicopters for the D-Day commemeration. Probably the only time I'll be in the same city as the Obamas. So close and yet so far away.

On my way to pick up Will after his exam I drove right past Rolland Garros while the women's final match was beginning. So close and yet so far away.

I watched all the ceremony held at Colleville sur Mer for the 65th anniversay of the Normandy invasion. My mom was only a few 100 km from where all those veterans in their 80s and 90s landed so long ago. So close and yet so far away. It was a beautiful ceremony.

Blessed are you when they persecute you . . .

He sat at the table across from us, smiling, comfortable, friendly, dressed in a dress shirt, tie, jacket. Since he has only been a France a couple of years and does not yet speak French or English fluently an Arabic friend joined my colleague and me to translate for the job interview. Since the job involves spiritual work like answering letters and e-mails about Christ, the first question was to ask for his testimony. My colleague asked in French, "When and how did you come to know Jesus?" Ali translated the question in Arabic.

His eyes softened. He relaxed in his chair and spoke to us of his wife. He was not a Christian; she was a devout Christian. She never argued with him, but was always sweet and patient with him. Ali struggled to translate--she was the odor of Christ to him. They couldn't have children; yet he was obviously a devoted and loving husband. After 10 years of marriage he embraced his wife's faith--making it clear that this was his own decision. He began to attend church with his wife and even started to attend at times without her. This caught the attention of the authorities in his country. He was arrested. After some time he was released and they arrested his wife. For one month they tortured her. She died. He was allowed to come to France as a refugee. He has not stopped trusting and loving the God she introduced him to.

He took out a tissue and touched his moistened eyes.

We paused a long time, weighing the cost this man has paid for his faith, sharing in his grief, awed by our God. How do we go on to question 2 of the interview questionnaire?

Learning Phonetics

Everything I learned about Phonetics I learned in Byblos. This charming ancient fishing village on the coast in Lebanon is the place where the Phoenicians invented the first phonetic alphabet. The Greeks later named the village "Book" (Byblos). So you can thank the amazing Phoenician people for the fact that you don't use hieroglyphics to type, write, tweet or text. Cool.

Ponderings from the Sewing Machine

Working on a quilt affords me plenty of time for pondering. This week I've been on a roll making a flying geese quilt out of a collection of African fabrics. It's looking pretty wild. Anyway for a while I was praying for the young man for whom I'm making the quilt. Then my mind wandered.

I thought about hope. Hebrews 6:18-20 speaks of hope. Verse 19 says, "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil . . ." In what do I really place my hope? Is it in our High Priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens? (7:27)

I thought about the French high school girl that died in the bombing in Cairo, the nine people who perished in a Turkish air flight in Amsterdam. We don't control very much in life, do we? God is sovereign. I am not.

I also thought about the next quilt; sneaking peaks at the fabric and pattern that will one day be more than an image in my mind. Better get back to the machine.

25 Random Facts about my trip to Turkey

1. A kitty sat next to me on a flight

2. Turkish Air has good service and decent food.

3. A film about the inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper is as interesting as it sounds.

4. I sat in a middle seat that split down the center. When the girl on my left leaned back to sleep half of my seat went back with hers. No, it was not comfortable.

5. My friend Hiroko speaks at least 5 languages and reads 4 kinds of alphabets.

6. She reads right to left, left to right and up to down.

7. and plays piano and sings beautifully.

8. I'm not jealous at all.

9. Hazelnuts are a gift from God. (learned from an ad by the Turkish Hazelnut Producers)

10. No one in the world should be denied the benefits of hazelnuts. (from same ad)

11. People love to sing in their own language

12. CNN scares me. I've grown accustomed to subdued European news reporting

13. I was paged at the airport as Mr. Augustine Nancy

14. 3 times.

15. My duffle bag ripped open right after I checked in.

16. The plastic bag they stuck it in also ripped, but nothing fell out

17. I wish I spoke Turkish (and Arabic, and Farsi, and Russian)

18. Mark and I passed each other going opposite directions in planes somewhere southwest of Istanbul.

19. Our brilliant plan to switch places being home with the kids by flying on the the same day fell apart when I missed my connection in Istanbul and had to stay the night there, leaving the kids alone.

20. I learned my kids don't need me as much as I need them.

21. It is hard to enjoy a free night in a hotel when you are thinking about your kids being alone.

22. It is also hard to enjoy a free night in a hotel when the wake up call rings at 2:30am, 3:30am and 4:00am when you really wanted to get up at 4:30am.

23. The Istanbul airport has 2 Starbucks. Is that right?

24. Turkey leads the world in pickled products

25. It is good to be home.

Will the Gaffs Ever Cease?

Okay, so I was at Will's high school, outside the homeroom teacher's door, waiting with other parents and students to go in and receive report cards. Will was a few blocks away at the music conservatory about to perform with a jazz piano group. As the wait grew longer those of us in the hallway got antsy and started complaining about how much time the teacher was taking. I mentioned that Will had a concert now. The chatting stopped. One mother gasped and put her hand on her mouth. A young girl cried, "No!". I thought their reactions were somewhat overdramatic. Actually, I had mispronounced "concert" and said instead, "Will has a cancer, now." We cleared up the misunderstanding. But I still missed Will's concert.

Two weeks ago at church we had put up blank sheets of paper on the walls for people to draw little pictures of things they are thankful for. As I was explaining the exercise I wanted to say, "You don't have to create a work of art". Instead I said, "You don't have to creat a goat of art."

I don't really speak English that well either.

Opposites Attract

Anyone that knows me as well as my husband can quickly discern that we are opposites in many ways. One time I met a respected "Auntie" from Sudan who has known Mark for many years. The first time she saw me, she grabbed me hugged me and said, "I'm so glad to meet you! We've always wondered what kind of woman was married to Mark!" This has happened to us many times.

In October Mark invited me to accompany him to the annual Gala banquet for his magic club. It was very interesting to meet his fellow prestidigitators. We sat at a table where a lively discussion regarding the care, training and feeding of doves was under way. This seems to be a hot subject in magic circles. In any case, it caused me to reflect lovingly on all Mark endured at my choir dinner. He actually had to sing Elvis (I Can't Help Falling in Love w/You) and Home on the Range. With me. In Public. I'm grateful that he doesn't expect me to perform in his magic act.

A few weeks ago I lost all my keys. Of course I lose my keys many times a week; but this time they were missing for two weeks (the Princess found them sitting next to the computer--didn't I look there 100 times?). Mark always hangs his keys on the hook next to the front door. He placed the hooks there for this purpose. Why don't I just put my keys there? he asks. I don't know. Maybe it's the ringing phone, the bags of groceries I'm carrying, or just plain old irresponsibility. One day we were in the car, discussing again where the keys could be. I hung my head in shame and said, "I'm just a big mess-up". Mark reached over and patted my knee and replied lovingly, "That's okay, honey, we're just opposites."

We both started laughing as he added, "You know, I mean that in the best possible way."

Opposites attract.

Reflections While Waiting for the Train

Well, to be fair these are not my reflections. Today was going fine; I was making progress on a translation project at work. Just as I was about to shut down and head home, I received two requests for help that in all of my overblown pride seemed to be "asking too much". After blowing off some steam to some colleagues (I can be a girl-doggie in two languages!) I rushed out to catch the train home, settled in my seat appreciating the isolation and time for thinking this mode of transport affords. All of that to introduce a translation of a cool little essay written by Will last week in French class. He got a good grade and the teacher read it out loud to the class. (He posted it in French on his Facebook wall)

It is possible that the train is the thing that brings together and concentrates in the least amount of space, yet the most intensely, all of the great diversity of the entire earth. That is why sometimes in order to understand many things it is enough to go sit in a train station.

A train heading to Malesherbes stops at the Evry-Courcouronnes station. It is one of those trains with two levels with more seats, which remains, however, insufferably full for the reserved French. The doors open. The people waiting on the quai step back to let flow the mass that exists the train. Someone tries to graciously get off with his bike and heads to the exit. Those in a rush make a little jump while leaving the train. Some business men pass by, with their ridiculous "bluetooths"; not far behind files out some gypsies who are surely begging. A man helps a lady who pushes a stroller with her baby inside, before getting in the machine himself. One woman is wearing a Muslim veil, another wears a traditionally African colored dress. Some British tourists already are getting out their map and looking around them. Two teenagers with those faux-hawks, that they themselves will find ridiculous in a few years, listen intensely to their music on a cell phone (that ruins the sound, for those of you that don't know that).

And there are so many so many other people to notice, each having their own destinations, their own thoughts, their own lives. It is very impressive, when you think about it. But there is something else going on, which is very sad; rare are those who don't have this fixed stare, empty and without emotion. For fear of those surrounding them, they act as if they see no one. Only people surrounded by friends and those who are not constrained by society seem to be at ease and comfortable. The whole earth is assembled in one place and we are too frightened by what others think to be ourselves, and to speak to others "ourselves". We prefer to rush on to return to the world that is familiar, yet is very restrained toward the real world.

Farewell, Sweet Summer

The air has already turned chilly; we've bought school supplies; ordered bus/train passes; and are counting down the last few days of laziness. The past few weeks I've been working on the annual report for our office but am trying to be home every afternoon to be with Wuke (the boys have combined their names--Wuke even has its own facebook) and the Princess. So here are some random bits as we kiss "les grandes vacances" goodbye.

Two little kittens showed up in our office parking lot. In a moment of cuteness induced insanity I had a friend help me catch one which I brought home. So what if I'm allergic? Bingley is cute, and very active. Mark is completely in love. I remember when he used to look at me as he now gazes at his kitty.

One afternoon the kids tie-dyed some t-shirts. I had forgotten how treacherous doing crafts with children can be--no matter the age of the "children". I suppressed my neurosis about permanantly staining every thing in the house and some pretty cool shirts were the result.

Berry Warriors? We went picking blackberries (berries, not PDAs) in the forest. Wuke removed their shirts within two minutes and moments later were applying blackberry warpaint to their faces and chests. Will I ever understand boys? As we like to say, "Vous n'êtes même pas civilisés." The Princess and I kept our distance as they ignored nettles and thorns to get the best berries. We picked the easy ones.

So this morning we had blackberry muffins, tomorrow is Luke's 16th birthday. Summer's last hurrah. When did I get old enough to have two kids over 16?

They're Baaack

The boys are back! They had a five week adventure in Mexico, made new friends, learned new things, spoke Spanish, shared their faith, helped the poor, lost clothes and money hither and yon. They arrived in Paris after a 30 hour delay (a cancelled flight, two very late flights and 24 hours at Chicago O'Hare in the unaccompanied minors room!). Happily they were with five females also returning from the project.

The most striking changes were 1. Luke is now strawberry blond. 2. Luke let a girl pierce his ear with a safety pin, ice cube and apple slice ala "Parent Trap" (we are happy to report that the hole is almost completely closed.) 3. Will wants to attend university in Mexico City. "But Mom! They have an AWESOME music department!" 4. Will wants to take a gap year after high school.

The parental units are quickly losing control! But we still think they are two of the most adorable boys ever!

Tour de France

We just enjoyed a great visit from Mark's two sisters and one of his nieces. We took them to the usual places; Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, a chateau, etc. We saw a few uniques sites, like a constuction site for a 13th century chateau. They are in the middle of a 20 year project to build a medieval castle using only techniques of the time.

On the last day of the Tour de France bike race we went to the starting place and saw the beginning of the day's race. It was like the Cowley County Fair--a parade, celebrities, live television (well maybe on a little like the fair). The Princess nearly fainted b/c she saw the winner of Star Academy perform. "Quentin is even cuter in person!"

We also bopped over to Bruges, Belgium for a day and night, passing through a sliver of the Netherlands before returning to France. Everyone appreciated something different about the time; chocolate, the magnificance of Fontainebleau, the cuteness of Quentin, tour of a brewery, shopping. I loved hearing Mark and his sister reminisce about their childhoods. I also loved sharing a bit of our lives with them.

Not Alone

God makes a home for the lonely . . . Psalm 68:6a

Our good friends, Don and Be are on their way home from China with their beautiful little girl, whom they have just met. They are great bloggers and allowed their friends and family to rejoice, cry and pray with them through this journey. Someone posted a comment with the above verse. Isn't it beautiful? We are not alone. At our little church we make a home for one another and a house of worship for our Lord. Nothing is too big or too small to share.

Mark prayed out loud that I would find my new glasses--which I've already lost. I felt my face go beet red. I so ashamed of losing such a valuable item. It also seems petty when some are facing far greater challenges. The Lord touched my heart to reveal my self-centeredness. What does it matter if everyone knows I'm a fool! After church, several people encouraged me, laughing and sharing tales of things they've misplaced.

I still haven't found the glasses, even after gathering up my last shreds of dignity to go ask at the Town Hall if anyone had turned in a lost pair. But, I am not alone!

*you can catch some of Don and Be's story at www.donandbe1@blogspot.com

Hurray for Chocolate and Friends and Switzerland!

The house is soooo quiet since the boys left. We are eager to hear of all the wonderful works of God in them and through them as they reach out in love to people who need love and tender care.

The Princess, hubby and I skipped town for a few days to visit friends near Geneva. It is such a cool area. We drove over the Jura mountains, around lac Leman and visited a chocolate factory (free samples!) as well as a Gruyere cheese factory. Guess which I preferred?

Mark was thrilled to go with Sue to every thrift shop and junk store in a 30 km radius. As always he found some little treasures. I got to spend an afternoon with my friend Nada who is there for the summer with her family. She recently lost her mother and has faced many other hardships these past two years. We talked and cried and talked some more.

We love Switzerland, but home is pretty great too.

Identification

Will followed up on his first concert, with an even more important day on Sunday. After seeking and praying, he decided a few months ago that he was ready to be baptised. He shared his testimony with the church and then was baptised by his dad. It was an awesome moment. He and his brother leave in one week for a month of ministry in Mexico City. We pray and trust that God will by His Holy Spirit bring to fruition the work that He has begun in these two cool guys. Yes, I'm proud.

First his testimony and then the baptism!--

A Big Day

Saturday was a big day full of important events. The biggest event was TJ (Mark's nephew) and Kylee's wedding in Branson MO. We spent much of the day thinking of all the family gathered for this special day, wishing we could be with them. It was also Uncle Brother Will's birthday. That is always a big deal!

June 21 is also the national Fete de la Musique in France. While I was up singing with the old folk in the town auditorium, Will was giving a three song set at the much hipper outdoor stage near the train station. A bunch of town kids and some of Will's friends cheered him on. Check out his performance a song he wrote himself called "Peer Pressure". He dropped his guitar pick about halfway through--that explains part of his stage demeanor.

Sunday was an even bigger day for him--stay tuned!

Time Keeps on Tickin' Into the Future

Today I picked up my first pair of prescription glasses. My! the computer screen is so much clearer! But it also means that age and time are creeping up on me. Just look at my little Princess. Six months from now she will be taller (and probably more clever) than me.

Some things, however, don't change all that much. My sweet roomie from college, Lia, came to visit two weeks ago. (she took the picture). Even though we have spent precious little time together in the past 20 or so years, her sincerity, faith, unique perspective and humor reminded why she has been a friend for all these years. One thing that I have missed is her way of describing the world around her. As an artist she speaks of line, form, color, space and perspective. I know that she opens my eyes to different ways of seeing and thinking.

So as we are winding down another school year, everyone getting bigger, smarter and older, I hope that I continue to grow, learn and hold on to dear friends!

From Ruins to a Mansion

this story was in an e-mail received by my friend Ali from Nicodemus* who lives in N. Africa

As you ask and suggested I have sought God. I'm bowing before Him with all my heart and will, praying for Him to show me the truth. God heard me. He showed me through a dream.

I was sitting in a broken down house, one that was completely demolished. Before me I saw a beautiful house. I longed to move from the demolished house to the beautiful one.
A shining white cloud appeared and a voice said, "Stretch out your hand to Me."
"How? I can't."
"Try, if you truly love God."
I tried, but it was impossible. Because I could not reach Him though I tried and tried, He reached out to me and pulled me to the beautiful new house.
As He was leaving, I asked, "Who are you, my Lord?"
"Didn't you ask Me? I am the Lord, the Christ. You belong to Me now."
My life has changed.

*Name changed for security purposes